Megamelus scutellaris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) biology and population dynamics in the highly variable landscape of southern Florida

• M. scutellaris has established, dispersed, and is impacting control of P. crassipes. Wild populations are producing macropters dispersing via flight. Dispersal been documented from herbicide treated sites across terrestrial habitat. New have reached an equilibrium density that does not change with more releases. Changes to the historical flow nutrient levels freshwater bodies in Florida made waterhyacinth difficult. Biological agents were introduced augment herbicidal this plant. The newest insect agent, Megamelus , was released 2010, than 6 kms away release locations, aquatic habitats. These insects able successfully disperse areas habitats reach new mats waterhyacinth. Macropterous individuals first at three non-release sites, indicating established wild flighted actively. Established appear 10.74 ± 19.74 /m 2 fluctuate additional